Developing an information and advice plan for libraries
Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA)
CFE was commissioned to prepare an action plan for MLA to develop the capacity of public libraries to provide information and advice services for learning and employment provision.
Building on existing intelligence gathered by CFE in a previous project further research here consisted of:
- the mapping over 3,000 English public libraries in relation to areas of social deprivation; then
- undertaking a national online mapping survey across all English local authority to determine the extent of IAG activity occurring.
Our research was presented at a National Forum held in November to:
- raise awareness of the intelligence gathered in front of a national policy audience and regional nextstep prime contractors,
- explore a national role for libraries in the emerging adult advancement and career service; and
- determine the actions required to develop the capacity and capability of the sector to provide information and advice services.
The national forums generated a broad consensus that the library sector could play a valuable role in supporting and delivering information and advice services. The suggested actions discussed at the national forum were synthesised into an action plan for MLA.